Great Books Foundation

Professional development:over the past year, the foundation's professional development program provided over 1500 educators with specialized instruction and classroom assistance in the shared inquiry method of learning through reading and discussion of great literature. The foundation worked closely with schools across the country to build teachers' proficiency and integrate inquiry-based learning across the curriculum by providing customized days of in-person and online training, modeling, coaching, and consultation. The foundation offers teachers and parents instruction in the shared inquiry method of learning through in-person training, on-demand courses, blended online courses, in-person and online coaching, and webinars on specific skills. This year, the foundation expanded our on-demand offerings by launching advanced training courses. The foundation offers trained shared inquiry leaders free resources and support implementing our programs in the shared inquiry learning center. It is also trained leaders can participate in free events such as a panel or educator discussions, and join an engaged community of inquiry-based education professionals.the junior great books program has been recognized by the national staff development council as an "exemplary program" in teacher professional development. Feedback from those who have participated in the foundation's professional development activities suggests that the foundation plays an important part in creating and sustaining vibrant, respectful learning communities and increased literacy for adults and students.

Adult discussion groups: the adult education division of the great books foundation shares the mission of the organization as a whole: to help sustain and strengthen our democratic society by providing opportunities for learners to engage in discussions of works and ideas of enduring value and to develop the habits of mind essential to civic participation and personal fulfillment. To this end, the foundation supports a network of great books councils, as well as hundreds of book groups nationwide, across canada and south america; creates special initiatives for often underserved sectors of the population, including veterans of the armed forces; and holds public events to engage audiences in the discussion of books and ideas, including online discussions for adults. The foundation partners with other cultural organizations to bring its work to as many people as possible. To enable these various programs, the adult division has and will in the future publish books and other materials designed to assist in the practice of shared inquiry, the great books foundation's unique discussion method.